National Psoriasis Foundation pays tribute to research leader

For his work and dedication in expanding research for chronic diseases, including psoriasis, Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., head of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), was honored by the National Psoriasis Foundation at the annual meeting in Miami of the American Academy of Dermatology on March 5.

The Psoriasis Foundation honored Katz for his 15-year tenure as head of NIAMS during which significant advances in psoriasis research have been made, including:

Uncovering the autoimmune nature of psoriasis;

Revealing the connection between psoriasis and other serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease;

Understanding the inheritance and genetics of psoriasis; and,

Helping to create funding partnerships for research that is advancing our understanding of common diseases, including psoriasis. These advances could help patients with psoriasis live longer, more productive lives.

"The work that Dr. Katz and his institute have done to enhance psoriasis research is unprecedented," said Randy Beranek, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "Under his leadership, researchers have uncovered the intricacies of the science and have brought us one step closer to finding a cure. We are proud to honor Dr. Katz for all he and NIAMS have done for the psoriasis community."

Katz has served as director of NIAMS, one of the 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health, since 1995. The institute conducts and supports research into the causes, treatments and prevention of diseases of the bones, joints, muscles and skin.

About the National Psoriasis Foundation

National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is the world's largest nonprofit serving those with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our priority is to provide the information and services people need to take control of their condition, while increasing research to find a cure. In addition to serving more than 2.1 million people annually through our health education and advocacy initiatives, NPF has funded more than $13 million in psoriatic disease research grants and fellowships. Learn more about the Psoriasis Foundation at www.psoriasis.org or call 800-723-9166. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.